Signal control system



March 2, 1965 E. BURG 3,171,893

SIGNAL CONTROL SYSTEM Filed June 25, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 27 r24 J 32 I 26 V 45 44) 4 RELAY swn'cH 37 j 43- AMPLIFIER ggfigfg TUNER FILTER "5? 4 35 PRE- D 36 AMPLIFIER '15: f

38%- k "I 3? Nu] h I 39 A INVENTOR I -5 .2 Elmer Burg ATTORNEYS March 2, 1965 E, B

SIGNAL CONTROL SYSTEM 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 25, 1962 INVENTOR Elmer Burg BY MAJ ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,171,893 SIGNAL CONTROL SYSTEM Elmer Burg, 226 Monroe St., Denver 6, Colo. Filed June 25, 1962, Ser. No. 204,976 Claims. (Cl. 1791) This invention relates to signal control systems and particularly to an improved system for controlling the reproduction of signals dependent upon the operation of apparatus such as article vending and dispensing equipment,

In automatic apparatus which may be made to perform different functions dependent upon the will of the operator it frequently is desirable to provide signals to indicate what operation is in progress. Systems of this type may be used in a wide range of applications and may employ both visual and audible signals; for example, such systems may be employed in connection with the operation of auto matic vending equipment and may include indications of the state of operation of the machine and also audio instructions and suggestions as to the operation of the machine and may, for example, be employed for advertising purposes. Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide in an automatic equipment requiring selective manual operation an improved signal system for reproducing signals dependent upon the selective acts performed by the operator.

It is another object of this invention to provide a signal system for article vending machines and the like including an improved audio signal reproducing system for giving instructions or advertising information to an operator dependent upon the specific operations performed by the operator.

Briefly in carrying out the objects of this invention in one embodiment thereof a coin operated article vending machine of the type frequently employed for the sale of a plurality of different brands of cigarettes is provided with a loud speaker and sound reproducing equipment. Various tape recordings are provided on two sound tracks with separate pickup equipment and in this embodiment are utilized for advertising purposes. An automatic control is provided for the sound reproducing equipment so that a first signal or sound reproduction is effected upon the deposit of a coin and subsequent signals are produced depending upon the selections made manually by the operators; arrangements are provided to assure coordination of the reproduced signals with the operators manual selections and to prevent false signal operation in the event of improper or incomplete manual operation.

The features of novelty which characterize this invention are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood upon reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partially broken away, illustrating a vending machine embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example of an electric circuit suitable for use in the system of the invention; and

FIG. 3 is a detailed circuit diagram of the system illustrated generally in FIG. 2.

Referring now to the drawings, the vending machine illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises a cabinet .10 having a somewhat sloping upper front portion 11 through which protrude two rows of pull-type actuators 12 and 13, each row comprising twelve separate pulls or handles. Immediately above the rows of actuators 12 and 13 are glass panels 14 and 15, respectively, through which may be observed the articles to be sold (not shown). Operation of the machine is initiated by placing the necessary coins in the slot 16, after which operation of any one of the handles in the two 3,171,893 Patented Mar. 2, 1965 rows 12 and 13 will release the article to be purchased which will fall downwardly to a tray 17 for delivery to the operator. A coin release lever 18 is provided so that coins placed in the slot 16 may be returned to the operator prior to the selection of an article, such coins also being delivered to the tray 17.

The vending machine illustrated is of a type commonly employed for the sale of a plurality of different brands of cigarettes and the signaling system of the present invention has been incorporated in the cabinet 10 to facilitate the advertising of a selected brand which, by way of example, may be the brand released by the left-hand pulls of the rows 12 and 13 indicated at 20 and 21, respectively.

The signal system includes a loud speaker (not shown) mounted within the cabinet behind a grille 22 and which is energized by audio signals reproduced from a tape recorder equipment indicated generally at 23 which is controlled by a computer and memory unit 24. The control unit 24 is actuated after deposit of the first coin in the slot 16 and in accordance with the operation of the selector handles. For purposes of illustration, let it be assumed that the sound recordings and speaker are employed to advertise a brand of cigarettes released by either of the bandles 20 and 215 In this case, upon deposit of the first coin the control 24 will operate to actuate the reproducer 23 and energize the speaker to reproduce a spoken suggestion that the purchaser select the brand represented by the bandles 20 and 21.

When the selection is made, if either handle 20 or 21 is operated a recording of a message expressing appreciation for the purchase of the designated brand will be reproduced on the speaker. Should the operator of the machine select any other brand, the signal system will operate to reproduce a message suggesting, for example, that on the next purchase the operator select the advertised brand. This recording may also be reproduced in the event the coin reject lever 18 is operated.

The circuit is arranged to prevent energization and reproduction of the signal or message relating to actuation of the levers 20 and 21 when one of the other levers is actuated, or vice versa, and further the system prevents repeating of the messages in the event of the operation of the same levers a second time before the final message has been completed. Thus upon the purchase of two packages; of the same brand in rapid succession the messages will:

not be repeated.

An example of a general arrangement of a circuit switch for the signal system is indicated in FIG. 2, which is a block diagram, the units 23 and 24 being indicatedby rectangles and the speaker mounted behind the grille 22 of FIG. 1 being indicated at 26. The switch actuated by insertion of a coin in the slot 16 is indicated at 27 and the switches actuated by the levers 20 and 21 are represented by a single switch 28 and similar switches actuated by all the other handles of the rows 12 and 13 are indicated as a bank of switches 29. A switch actuated by the coin release lever 18 is indicated at 31.

During the operation of the system a motor 32 which actuates a dual track record tape (not shown) is operated under control of the unit 24. The particular message or signal to be transmitted is selected by the top switch of a multi-switch relay 33 under control of the unit 24 and this switch connects either of two pickup heads 'or' 3 sound signals from a respective one of the two sound tracks.

A tuned filter 41 is connected to the output of thepreamplifier 36 through a lead 42 and upon energization by a pre-recorded tone of predetermined frequency the tuned. filter supplies a signal to an amplifier 43 which operates a; relay switch 44 which in turn is connected through a line '45 to the unit 24 which stops the operation of the motor 32 after termination of the message. It will be noted that the switch 31 actuated by the coin release has been shown asrconnected inthe same manner as the switches in the bank 29. Withthis arrangement the actuatio'n of thecoin release switch results in reproduction of the same message on the speaker. 26 as that effected by actuation of any one, of the switches in .thebank 29.

Inthe detailed circuit shown in FIG. 3 all of the relays are shown in their normal or unenergized positions. The operation of the system is initiated when the first coin is dropped in the slot 16 and closes the switch 27. Alter.- nating current power is available from a conventional source indicated as comprising two leads 47 and 48, the lead .48 being connected to a ground as indicated. Upon closing of the switch 27 a connection is completed from the power lead 47 through a connection '50, a closed switch 51 of a relay 52, through a lead 53, the switch 27, to a diode 54. The diode is'connected to ground through a parallel branch circuit comprising a resistance 55 on one side. and a capacitor 56 andcoil 57 on the other side. The coil 57 is the actuating coil of a relay 58 and on closing of the switch 27 is energized by a surge of current passing through the diode 54 and charging the capacitor 56 to a potential determined by the valueof the resistance 55.

Therupon the relay 58 moves its switches indicated at 60and .61 totheir lower positions, whereupon the switch 61 completes a holding circuit to .the coil 57 from the lead'53, a connection 62" and switch 63 of a relay 64, and thence through a diode 65 and resistance 66 to thecoil 57 in parallel with a capacitor 67 which is thereby charged. The upper switch 60 of the relay 58 closes a connection from the power lead 47 to leads 68and 70, the lead 70'energi'zing one side of the bank of'switches 29, the switch 31 and the switch 28, thereby preparing the switches for 'energizationof their respective circuits.

The lead 68connects a coil of the relay 52, indicated at '71, across the. alternating current supply through a diode 72 invseries with a capacitor 73 and across a resistance 74; The resulting surge of current actuates the relay 52. The lower switch of the relay indicated at 75 closes'a hold-in'g circuitfor thecoil 71 similar to the holdin'g circuit for the relay 58 and which'includes a capacitor 76, resistance 77 and diode 78 which is connected to the lead'47 through a closedswitch '80 of the relay 44 and'aconductor '81 connected to the lead 47. The upper siwitch51 of the relay 52 connects the motor 32 across thesupply lines 47, 48. Energization of the motor 32 starts the tape reproducer 23 and connects the transducer head 34 to the speaker 26 through theamplifiers '36 and 37 and reproduces the first signal or message which can be heard by the operator.

' At the end of-the message the sound track is provided with a recorded predetermined tonesignal and on reproduction of thissignal'the tuned filter 41 and amplifier 4.3 operate to energize a coil 82 of the relay 44 and open the switch 80, thereby disconnecting the holding circuit.

of the coil71of the relay 52, whereupon the'relay drops out, returning the switches 51 and 75 totheir positions as shown and stopping the motor 32. Any additional coins nowdropped in the slot 16 will have no effect since coil 5710f the'relay. 58 remainsene'rgized through its hold-.

by the levers 2t) and 21, one of the switches 29 controlled by one of the remaining selector handles in the rows 12 and 13, or the coin return switch 31. It is, of course, also possible that the operator will at this stage leave the machine without rejecting the coin. v

If the operator now selects an article by operation of either of the'pulls 20 'or 21, the switch 28 is closed and connects the coil 83 of a relay 84 across the power supply in series with a diode 85, the coil 83 being shunted by capacitor 86. Energi'zation of, the coil actuate's relay 84 moving its four switches indicated at 87, 88, 89 and 90 to their lower positions. Closing of the switch 90 completes a holding circuit from the power lead 81 through a switch 92 of the relay 33 to the coil 83 through a diode 93 and a resistance 94, a capacitor 95 also being connected across the coil 83. Closing of the switch 87 actuates the relay 64 by connecting its coil, indicated at 96, to the lead 70 through a connection 97.

Operation of the relay 64 moves its upper switch 63 and a lower switch 98 to their lower positions thereby energizing coils.100 and 39 of a relay 102 and relay 33, respectively. The coil 100. is connected in series with a capacitor 104-and across a resistance 105 through a diode 106 to the power line 62, and the coil 39 is connected in a similar manner through switch 88 in its lower position with a capacitor 107 and resistance 108 through the diode 106.

The relay 102 locks in through a holding circuit closed by its lower switch 109 and which is energized through a lead 111 when the switch S0 is closed, the holding circuit including a diode 112, a resistance 113 and a capacitor 114. The relay 33 is also locked in by a holding circuit closed by its bottom switch, indicated at 115, and which includes a diode 116, a resistance 117 and a capacitor 118 and is energized through a lead 120 When the switch 80 is closed. It will be noted that o eration of the relay 64 also disconnects the holding circuit for the relay 58 which thereupon drops out, returning the switches 60 and 61 to their positions shown on the drawing. Thus the lead 70 is disconnected and the circuit for the coil 96 of relay 64 is d e-energized, whereupon the relay drops out. The dis connecting of the lead 70 de-energizes the common side of all of the switches 28, 29 and 31' so that none of these are effective regardless of operation of any of the manual pulls or coin return.

Operation of the relay 33 also opens the holding circuit of the relay 84 by moving the switch 92 to its down position. At the same time the top switch 38 of the relay 33 transfers the input to the tuned filter 41 from head 34 to head 35. 7

While the relay 33 is in its upper position as shown on the drawing, one of its switches indicated at 122 connects a capacitor 123 across the power line 47, 48 through a resistance 124 and a diode 125 connected to the lead 81. Thus the capacitor 123 is charged when the relay is in its upper position. Charging this capacitor acts as a memory device andupon operation of the relay the switch 122 moves to its lower position and connects the capacitor 123 through resistance 124 and lead 126 to a lead 127 and thence across the coil 71 of relay 52 through a diode 128. The surge of current from the charged capacitor 123 thus actuates the relay 52 which is then locked in by its holding circuit through the diode 78 thereby energizing the motor 32 and reproducing the message on the recorded track through the head 35.

At the end of this'message a tone signal, the same asthat at the end of the first message reproduced by the head 34, is reproduced and effects actuation of the coil 82 of the relay-'44 thereby de-energizing the holding circuit of the relay 52 causing the relay to drop out and stop the motor 32. Actuation of the relay 44 also opens the holding circuit of the relay 33 causing this relay to drop out and return to its position as shown on the drawing. Thereupon theentire circuit is returned to its position 5. as shown in FIG. 3 and remains so until another coin is deposited in the slot 16.

In the event that the switch 28 is closed in response to the selection of articles represented by either of the pulls and 21 while the first message is still being reproduced through operation of the motor 32 and head 34, the relay 84 will be operated in the same manner as described above; and because the motor circuit is energized the holding circuit for the relay 58 is maintained through a lead connected to the motor lead and to the switch 98 of the relay 64 which connects a diode 131 to supply the holding circuit of the coil 57. The time constants of these circuits are such that the holding circuit of the relay 58 is maintained while the switch 51 of the relay 52 moves from its upper to its lower position, the interruption being insufiicient to break the circuit before the diode 131 is energized to maintain it.

The switch 98 also energizes a coil 132 of a relay 133 through the top switch of the relay 102 indicated at 134 and a diode 135 connected to the coil 132 through a capacitor 136 and across a resistance 137. The surge of current through the coil 132 actuates the relay 133 which is locked in on closing of its lower switch contact indicated at 138 through a holding circuit including a diode 140, resistance 141 and capacitor 142, the diode being connected to the lead 111 energized through the switch 80. Closing of the top switch 143 of the relay 133 charges a capacitor 144 through a circuit including a resistance 145 and the diode 125. The capacitor 144 provides a memory element similar to the capacitor 123 of the relay 33.

Now as soon as the first message reproduced by the head 34 terminates and the characteristic tone is trans mitted, the relay 44 is actuated, opening the switch 80 and de-energizing the holding circuit of the relay 133. Because operation of the relay 64 has de-energized the holding circuit of relay 58, this relay drops out and upon release of the relay 133 the capacitor 144 is discharged through a circuit including a diode 146 in series with a resistance 147 and a lead 148 through the switch 89, the lead 127 and diode 128 to energize the coil 71 of relay 52 and actuate the relay thereby energizing the motor 32 to transmit the second message through the head 34. Thus the memory circuit including the capacitor 123 is effective to assure operation of the relay 52 to energize the motor a second time. Upon termination of the message the tone is transmitted through the head 34 and actuates the relay 44 to open the switch 80 and de-energize the holding circuit of the relays 52 and 33, thereby restoring the circuit to its original condition as shown in FIG. 3 of the drawing. It is thus apparent that the second message as selected by operation of the manual pulls 20 or 21 will be transmitted even through the selection is made before the first message has been completed.

If, after the circuit has been conditioned by deposit of a coin as described above, the operator actuates either the coin return switch 31 or one of the switches in the bank 29 upon selection of an article other than those controlled by the pulls 20 and 21, the closing of one of these switches immediately energizes the coil 96 of the relay 64 thereby shifting the switches 63 and 98 to their lower positions. A surge of current then flows through the switch 63 and diode 106 to energize the coil 100 and actuate the relay 102 and also through the capacitor 107, switch 88, line 127 and diode 128 to energize the coil 71 and actuate the relay 52, whereupon these relays lock in through their holding circuits as described above. The actuation of the relay 64 has also opened the holding circuit of the relay 58 which then returns to its dropout position as shown in FIG. 3; the dropout of this relay also disconnects the line 70 and de-energizes the coil 96 of the relay 64 which returns to its dropout position.

The operation of the relay 52 energizes the motor 32 as before and the second message is transmitted from the head 34; when this message terminates, it is followed 6 by a burst of the tone signal to actuate the relay 44 and momentarily open the switch 80 to open the holding circuit of the relay 52. The opening of the switch 80 also de-energizes the holding circuit of the relay 102 and on dropout of the relay 52 the motor 32 is stopped and the machine cycle is completed to restore the circuit to the condition shown in FIG. 3. Thus when the circuit is actuated in this manner by operation of any of the switches 29 or the switch 31, only the second message on the tape for the head 34 can be reproduced.

Should the operation of one of the switches 29 or the switch 31 occur before the first message has been completed through head 34, the memory capacitor 144 be comes effective to energize the coil 71 of the relay 52 a second time after the motor has stopped; this is accomplished in a manner similar to that when the machine is operated to select the articles of pulls 20 and 21 before the end of the first message as described above. In this case after energization of the coil 96 by closing of one of the switches 29, 31, the relay 133 is energized through coil 98 in its lower position which is connected to the motor through lead 130 thereby actuating the relay 133 and charging the memory capacitor 144 through the diode 125. The relay 58 is de-energized in the same manner as before by operation of the relay 64 and thereby opens the circuit of the lead '70 and prevents further energization of the coil 96 by operation of any of the selector switches.

As soon as the first message is finished and the switch 80 is opened momentarily by operation of the amplifier 43 and relay 44, the holding circuit of the relay 133 is dropped out, whereupon the memory capacitor 144 is connected to energize the coil 71 and again operate the relay 52 to start the motor 32 and transmit the second message through the head 34. The relay 52 locks in as before and then after completion of the message is released by operation of the switch 80 upon occurrence of the characteristic tone signal, thus stopping the motor. The circuit is thereby returned to its condition as shown in FIG. 3.

Should the operator leave coins in the slots of the machine and make no purchase, the machine will be left with relay 58 energized and ready for the selection by the operator. The dropping of additional coins in the slot will have no effect on the circuit since the first message has already been completed. Should a coin be left in the machine and a subsequent operator place further coins in the slot 16, the machine (for most types of such machines) will not operate unless the required exact number of coins have been inserted. The operators only recourse then is to operate the coin return lever which will thereupon result in the transmission of the coin return message as described above. Further operation of the machine will proceed in the same manner as for the first coin.

Should coins be dropped in the slot 16 while the motor is running and transmitting a message, the message control circuit including the lead 70 will not be energized upon a subsequent selection because the switch 51 will be in its lower position so that the lead 53 will not be energized and closing of the switch 27 cannot energize the coil 57. This feature is desirable since such operation will rarely occur except for a single operator who is purchasing more than one article, and the operator is thereby not subjected to a repetition of the messages.

While the invention has been described in connection with a specific signaling system, various other applications and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is not desired that the invention be limited to the details illustrated and described and it is intended by the appended claims to cover all modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. A signaling system for equipment of the type including means for readying the equipment for operation and second and third signal reproducing means upon selection of one of them for production of a signal.

2. A signaling system for equipment of the type including means for readying the equipment for operation and a plurality of alternatively and selectively actuatable means for effecting operation of the equipment, comprising means dependent upon an initial operation of said readying means for producing a first signal, means dependent upon operation of a predetermined first of said plurality of selectively actuatable means for producing a second signal, means dependent upon operation of any one of a predetermined plurality of the remaining ones of said selectively actuatable means for producing a third signal, and means for preventing actuation of the other of said second and third signal producing means upon selection of one of them for production of a signal, said equipment being a coin controlled article vending machine and includes a device for receiving coins and said means dependent upon an initial operation of said ready-.

:10 and means for preventing actuation of the other of said ,8. means dependent upon an initial operation of said readying means for producing a first audio signal, means dependent upon operation of a predetermined first of said plurality of selectively actuatable means 'for; producing -a second signal, means dependent upon operation of any oneof a predetermined plurality of the remaining ones of said selectively actuatable means for producing a third signal, means for preventing actuation of the other of said second and third signal producing means upon selection of one of themfor production of a signal, said systern including means providing two audio signal record tracks, two sound reproducing heads one associated with each of said record' 'tracks, and a loudspeaker, said first and second signals being recorded on one of said tracks for preventing actuation of the other of said second and third signal producing means comprising switching means for connecting said speaker alternatively to either of said two heads.

' 4. A signaling system as set forth in claim 1 including means for effecting a delay in the production of said second and third signals in the event of selective operation of either of said second and third signal means during production of said first signal.

5'. A signaling system as set forth in claim 1 including means for preventing actuation of said second and third signal producing means duringproduction of said first signal, and means including a device rendered effective upon selection of one of said second and third means during reproduction of said first signalyfor operating the selected one of said second and third means after termination of said first message.

References Cited in the file-of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,787,644 Schermach Jan. 6, 1931 1,912,226 Sepin et al. May20, 1933 2,617,888 Shepherd Nov. 11, 1952 2,741,427 Drake Apr. 10, 1956 2,994,736 Hopner Aug. 1, 1961 

1. A SIGNALING SYSTEM FOR EQUIPMENT OF THE TYPE INCLUDING MEANS FOR READYING THE EQUIPMENT FOR OPERATION AND A PLURALITY OF ALTERNATIVELY AND SELECTIVELY ACTUATABLE MEANS FOR EFFECTING OPERATION OF THE EQUIPMENT, COMPRISING MEANS DEPENDENT UPON AN INITIAL OPERATION OF SAID READYING MEANS FOR REPRODUCING A FIRST AUDIO SIGNAL, MEANS DEPENDANT UPON OPERATION OF A PREDERMINED FIRST OF SAID PLURALITY OF SELECTIVELY ACTUATABLE MEANS FOR REPRODUCING A SECOND AND DIFFERENT AUDIO SIGNAL, MEANS DEPENDENT UPON OPERATION OF ANY ONE OF A PREDETERMINED PLURALITY OF THE REMAINING ONES OF SAID SELECTIVELY ACTUATABLE MEANS FOR PRODUCING A THIRD AND STILL DIFFERENT AUDIO SIGNAL, AND MEANS FOR PREVENTING ACTUATION OF THE OTHER OF SAID SECOND AND THIRD SIGNAL REPRODUCING MEANS UPON SELECTION OF ONE OF THEM FOR PRODUCTION OF A SIGNAL. 